I have what Tommy Callahan would call “A little bit of a weight problem.” I have struggled since my mid twenties. The last few years I have yo-yo dieted. The root of the issue is that I never make that fundamental lifestyle change that would keep me in good shape for more than 6 or 9 months. I inevitably fall back into cookies and brownies and chips and soda and well you get the idea. I have had great success with Body for Life and Insanity also. I’m no Shaun T, but I do ok. Usually I set a goal or start a competition and all of a sudden my competitive nature kicks in. I have done several “Biggest Loser” competitions at work and always had great results.

If you’ve been following along for any significant amount of time, you will have noticed: I try to remain pseudo-anonymous. Nothing on the internet is truly anonymous. If you wanted to, you could dox me with barely any effort. Whatevs.

The reason for this anonymity is that I currently work a regular job. Obviously this site is about transitioning to EMS/Fire, and not working at a software company…

There are a few different criterion that departments use to sift through all of the potential candidates that they get. The most common methods of sifting are interviews, written tests, and physical ability tests.

A ride along can be a great way for you to decide if this is the right career for you, and to get some great face time with the department you hope to join.

Many departments offer ride-alongs, but others do not. Sometimes though, even the ones who say they do not offer ride-alongs will let you go with them if you know someone, or make yourself known to them, and are willing to fill out paperwork (full of waivers and agreements). Note: By make yourself known, I mean hang around a lot.

The way it worked out for me was that I have a friend that is a Captain with one of the local departments. He suggested it and sent me all of the paperwork. I’ll be posting about that soon, so stay tuned.

My EMT instructor tells me that most departments only allow you to ride-along for a few hours. However, some departments (especially if you know someone) will let you ride-along for an entire shift.

While on your ride-along you will start to get a feel for what life at a station can be like. Granted, most people act differently with strangers hanging around, but you will start to get a good feel for what life *can* be like. If you are lucky, those tones will drop while you’re there. If that happens, then you will get to feel the rush of running on a call. Also, there are daily tasks that need to be performed: mopping, washing the engine, cooking etc. Don’t be afraid to ask if you can pitch in. I’ve never in my life felt more fulfilled while mopping a floor.

You have to be prepared. You may see the worst of humanity. You may see the worst in yourself. You may walk away from this career.